This year’s International Women’s Day theme “Count Her In: Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress.” resonates deeply with our next guest, Grace Chin, Workplace Experience Manager at C&W Services.
Grace’s interpretation of the theme encapsulates the essence of progress and inclusivity. “As a workplace experience manager, I’ve seen the invaluable contributions women bring to the table, driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and fuelling success,” Grace reflects.
“By counting women in and investing in their potential, businesses can tap into a vast pool of talent, perspectives, and ideas,” Grace says.
For Grace, investments in various forms have been pivotal in her personal and professional growth journey.
“Financial investments enabled me to pursue educational opportunities, acquire necessary resources, and take calculated career risks,” she explains.
“Additionally, mentorship-based investments have provided invaluable guidance, support, and perspective from experienced professionals, helping me to navigate career decisions, overcome obstacles, and unlock new opportunities for advancement. In nurturing women’s leadership development, Grace advocates for a multifaceted approach that extends beyond monetary contributions. “Fostering an inclusive culture and implementing gender-equality policies are crucial,” she asserts.
“Secondly, providing targeted leadership development programs tailored to women’s needs can be highly effective. These programs can offer training in areas such as negotiation skills, assertiveness, and executive presence, as well as mentorship opportunities with senior leaders within the organization.
“Finally, offering sponsorship programs where women are actively supported and advocated for by influential leaders can help accelerate their career progression. Providing access to networking opportunities, visibility in key projects, and exposure to decision-making processes are also vital components of nurturing women’s leadership development”.
Reflecting on her own experiences, Grace shares instances where breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes were pivotal in advancing gender equality.
“One notable example occurred when I was working on a project where traditional gender roles were deeply ingrained, and there was skepticism about a woman’s ability to lead. To navigate through this challenge, I focused on showcasing my expertise, competence, and leadership skills through consistent performance and exemplary results.
“I actively sought opportunities to lead initiatives and projects, demonstrating my capabilities beyond any preconceived notions. Additionally, I engaged in open dialogue with colleagues to address any misconceptions and highlight the value of diverse perspectives in achieving our shared goals.
“Moreover, I sought support from mentors and allies who believed in my potential and provided guidance and encouragement along the way. Through perseverance, resilience, and a commitment to excellence, I was able to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and contribute to fostering a more inclusive and equitable work environment,” she said.
Grace’s insights serve as a reminder of the importance of investing in women as we work towards a future where gender equality is not just a goal but a reality.